Team leader Lisa Gleva, second from right, with fellow York U climbers at the CN Tower
It’s a long way up to the top of Toronto's CN Tower – 1,776 steps – but York University team members made the climb in support of the United Way early on a recent Saturday morning.
Not only did they reach the top on Oct. 18, but the 31 climbers raised about $4,325 for United Way Toronto, coming in second place for most funds raised in the public climb, well over their $2,500 goal.
York students pose with their T-shirts for the CN Tower climb
"Though the climb was a challenge for most of us, the team has already decided to participate again next year," said team captain Lisa Gleva. "On platform number 90 (of 144), there was a motivational sign that read, 'The pain will disappear, the pride won't.' It's true – the pride I saw on the faces of the climbers was moving."
In addition to York's team, five students from the University’s nursing program participated in the event together as a project for class. There was even one climber participating from Mexico, says Gleva.
Patricia Gagliardi-Ursua climbed the 1,776 steps at a resort in Mexico
Patricia Gagliardi-Ursua had an annual vacation scheduled and would be away on the day of the climb, so she participated from her resort in Mexico.
If you think you might like to participate in the climb next year, email Gleva at gleval@yorku.ca.
Funds are still coming in and it’s not too late to sponsor a member of York's team. Visit the Enbridge CN Tower Climb for the United Way to see the team's fundraising page. The fundraising portion of the event runs until Nov. 14 at 5pm.